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Big-name uncertainty leading up to Packers-Chiefs

Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes, Green Bay WR Davante Adams both on the mend, and no one’s ruling them out

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

GREEN BAY – It's anyone's guess right now. On both sides.

Kansas City quarterback and reigning league MVP Patrick Mahomes did some limited work Wednesday in practice for the Chiefs just six days after dislocating his kneecap against Denver.

Green Bay wide receiver and two-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams went through stretching with his teammates before a light, no-helmets practice he ultimately sat out. But his presence for warm-ups was new after missing the last three games with turf toe.

Is either star going to play Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium?

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn't ruling either guy out.

"This is what we do," Rodgers said.

Mahomes would be the bigger surprise given the nature and recency of his injury. Chiefs coach Andy Reid told Green Bay media in a conference call he wanted to see what Mahomes could do in practice and continue to evaluate him as the week goes on.

Reid said the play calls wouldn't necessarily change that much if Mahomes plays versus backup QB Matt Moore. But obviously the execution would if the dynamic MVP is taking the snaps.

Mahomes reminds Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur of Rodgers for his ability to create and extend plays, and the two quarterbacks got to know each other better from working together on some television commercials this past summer.

From LaFleur's point of view, getting ready for Kansas City's entire offense is the focus of the week, not whether or not Mahomes makes a miraculous return from last Thursday night's knee injury.

"I think you've always got to prepare for the quarterback, especially when he's out there practicing. But there's so much to prepare for when you look at their offense. I mean, they've got explosive playmakers all over the field," LaFleur said, before rattling off a list that includes tight end Travis Kelce, receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, and running back LeSean McCoy.

"I mean, they've got players all over the yard and, oh by the way, you have Andy Reid, who is as good as anybody in the business at calling plays. There's plenty to prepare for whether he plays or not."

Some potential help against those weapons could be on his way back for the Packers, as rookie safety Darnell Savage practiced for the first time since injuring his ankle in Dallas three games ago. The workout was mostly a walk-through, but Savage was listed as a full participant.

The Packers' offensive arsenal certainly has expanded in Adams' absence, and the offense feels good about what it has going no matter how things shake out with Adams this week. Allen Lazard has continued to emerge as another receiving option, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is developing into one of the more consistent deep threats in the league, and the running back tandem of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams just keeps producing.

LaFleur said the decision on Adams "could go right up to game time" Sunday night, and as much as Rodgers would love to have his top target back, he's willing to remain patient and keep the long view in mind.

"I want him to come back when he feels healthy," Rodgers said of Adams, who had 10 catches for 180 yards in Week 4 vs. Philadelphia before the toe injury struck. "He's going to push himself, though, and he has an extremely high pain tolerance.

"Again, I wouldn't ever rule him out, because if you start doing that, it might (tick) him off even more to want to get out there. Excited to get him back, but I want him to be healthy first and foremost."

The Green Bay Packers returned to the practice field before their Week 8 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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